Soften life's rough edgeswith Santa Julia

Life can be annoyingly unpredictable; therefore, it is always good to have a gratifying, inexpensive bottle of wine on hand. And if the bottle has a twist-off top—even better. Enter Santa Julia: a bold, lively Argentinean Cabernet Sauvignon for only $7. With soft tannins and notes of blackcurrant, raspberry and plum, this wine will pair flawlessly with whatever challenges the day may bring.

Cost: $6.99, Costco

 

2011 Santa Julia Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Advocate - 88 Points

Wine Spectator - 88 Points

 

Happy New Year!TJ's 2010 Reserve Cabernet

The fact that I have not written about any wines in over a month is an example of how busy I was during the holidays. Well, I am back with the perfect bottle to start off the New Year: Trader Joe’s Alexander Valley Reserve. This 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is delicious. The label notes aromas of mixed berries and vanilla with a concentrated yet smooth finish. With a spot-on description as that, who am I to dare say differently?

Happy New Year!

Cost: $9.99

 

Trader Joe's 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Alexander Valley
 

Happy Thanksgiving!H3's 2010 Cabernet

For years I have been buying H3 and Columbia Crest has yet to disappoint with their Horse Heaven Hills wines. This week I bought the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon and it paired wonderfully with turkey and cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, and homemade stuffing. Produced from vineyards located in eastern Washington, this medium-bodied red gets richer and more flavorful as it opens up. Mouthfuls of cocoa, licorice, plum, and deep berry prove a wine priced for everyday drinking can also be a treat.

Avg. Cost: $12

 

H3 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 



The Splurge:Provenance Cabernet

When you are ready to reward yourself for surviving another character-building year, Provenance’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is the way to go. This wine is so delicious I had to write about it despite its $29.95 price tag. Dark cherry, black pepper, cassis, and deep plum blend harmoniously together and end with a soft chocolate finish. I assure you this Napa Valley boast is worth every penny.

Cost: $29, Costco

 

 

2009 Provenance Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

 

$10 Must Have:Napa Station Cab

Wow. This has to be one of the best $10 Cabernets I have ever had. Rich and spicy, yet soft and sweet, Napa Station hits the Cabernet Sauvignon bull’s eye with blackberry, plum, ripe cherry, and cassis flavors. My husband and I opened a bottle with friends Friday night and it was a hit. This is one of those wines that will not be on Trader Joe's shelves long so buy one (or three) for yourself while you can.

Cost: $9.99, Trader Joe's

 

Napa Station 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Petit Sirah

“The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Station is a flat-out delicious wine for the money. It shows excellent varietal character in its dark fruit, licorice and grilled herbs. Maturity: 2011-2014.” -Wine Advocate, 87 points

 

Kunde: wineshopping made ea$y

There is no way for me to continue Wines for the Economy without including Kunde’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (I have bought at least three of them). If you are willing to spend a few more dollars on a pleasant, richly flavored bottle of wine, I highly recommend this $13-$15 cab.

Visiting friends for dinner and need to bring wine? No need to break the bank. This bottle will more than satisfy your host/s.

Cost: $12.99, Trader Joes

2009 Kunde Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley, Family Estate Series

"The bouquet of our 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon jumps out of the glass, filling your nose with raspberries, black cherries and a dark chocolate note that is so unique to the Sonoma Valley.” - Winemaker Zachary Long